It is hard to get a horse a good diet on the feed that is out there at an affordable price. The hay is by far not what it used to be at some stables and everyone I know has to supplement.

I saw a show last night on RFTV i think, and they were talking about Forage, now our horses never get out to pasture and when we walk them around they get a grass munch here and there but not enough.

What Forage does everyone supplement with. I believe I heard a guy who bought Sorchum bricks and then put that in water kind of like beet pulp. And His horses has a nice coat, and looked pretty good all the time.

Well he was a little overboard and had ever high dollar supplement that was out. Any help why I do some research on this would be helpfull.

Supplements wise, the only thing I give them is what they really need. I give one of my TBs For-A-Flex Biotein Formula for he has very soft crumbly feet and it helps with his feet as well as gives him a nice coat. My other TB, I give Pure Gluasime (sp?) Powder, for he has soundness issues and this helps in his recovery. They are just fed Oat Hay and beet pulp and I only do the beet pulp for added weight and hydration. I don't really believe in giving a horse everything out there on the market, most of it is just fillers anyways.

My horses have been on straight grass hay all their lives. When we lived in TX they were on a Coastal hay and now in AZ they are on a Bermuda grass hay. I only buy good quality hay and have been accused of having a pregnant gelding a time of two. I have just now started feeding my 25year old EQ. Senior since he does not have much tooth left and can't get all the nutrients out of his hay. I am a firm believer in a horse must have roughage ( hay of some sort) it is how they are designed and it benefits their health.

I think an hour out on pasture every other day or at least twice a week. Give a horse a little extra. Purina Even makes a 5 pound bag you can pour into your horses bucket to supplement nature forage if you can't get them on pasture.

Something in Gods great design helps that nature graze. It sure doesn't take em long to stick there nose to the earthworms and start ripping when they have been boxed for awhile.

FancyHorse, you only feed your horses Oat Hay and beet pulp? No grain of any kind?

Terri -

My two OTTBs, no they get no grain at all. They get too hot on it for just being pleasure mounts. Now, if we are talking about my racehorses, well then yes they get plently of it.

There are supplements that will compliment your forage.

Grass hay is low in calcium and Alfalfa hay is low in phosphorus.

Please keep in mind that protein does not make a horse "hot", carbohydrates are the culprit. Protein is needed to build muscle and bone. Most of they hay that is available is not made under perfect conditions and will not provide your horses with the minerals and vitamins they need.

I hope this helps!